![Northeastern Ont. has fewer foster homes and more children in need of care than it did 10 years ago](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7003489.1697833504!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/eugene-st-jean-and-partner-suzie-st-jean.jpg)
Northeastern Ont. has fewer foster homes and more children in need of care than it did 10 years ago
CBC
The number of northeastern Ontario homes willing to welcome children in need of care has steadily dropped in the past decade.
In 2013, there were 74 open homes, and now there are only 33 left, according to the North Eastern Ontario Family And Children Services (NEOFACS) agency.
"If we look over the last 10 years, when we close homes, it doesn't appear as though we're opening them as fast as we are closing them," said resource worker Joel Van Dyk.
The area currently has 191 children in need of care, according to the agency's most recent data. Children aged between 10 and 16 years old are particularly difficult to place.
Van Dyk says there has recently been a country-wide push to place children in the care of family members as opposed to foster homes.
For example, in 2015, there were only three children placed in kin care, compared to 58 in 2023.
This might partly explain the dwindling numbers of foster homes in the area, despite an increase in the number of children in need of protection.
Van Dyk says the increased cost of living also makes it difficult for families to foresee adding a new member to their home.
He also believes there are enduring misconceptions about who can become a foster parent.
"There's this public perception that we're only looking for one type of family," said Van Dyk, adding that the agency is looking to work with anyone, regardless of their marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, country of origin or income level.
"As long as you are meeting safety standards and you have a bedroom with a window and clean bedding, you're probably meeting the minimum requirements."
Van Dyk says that when the agency runs out of placement options for a child, they have to get creative. "We have to rely on treatment facilities, for example."
In the Sudbury area, there are some 200 children in need of protection, according to the most recent data.
Eugene St-Jean and his partner Suzie St-Jean, of Timmins, signed up to become foster parents four years ago.
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